Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 02 February 2024.
Flying on a connecting flight and airport transfer can be quite a hassle for most travellers. Doha’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) is among the region’s busiest airports and sees millions of transit passengers annually.
This article will explain Doha Airport transit requirements and procedures to be followed. It will also brief the facilities available for passengers and the frequently asked questions about transfer through Hamad International Airport.
- About Hamad International Airport
- Doha Airport Transit Visa
- Doha Airport Transfer Procedure
- Time Required For Transit At Doha Airport
- Doha Airport Transfer Desk
- Relaxation Facilities At Doha Airport
- Doha Airport Transit Tour
- Qatar Airways Stopover Program
- Doha Airport Transit Requirements During COVID
- FAQ On Doha Airport Transfer
About Hamad International Airport
Hamad International Airport (DOH), with an annual capacity of 35 million passengers, is the principal international airport in the State of Qatar. It is certified by Skytrax as a 5-star Airport for facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food & beverages, staff service, and security/immigration. The airport saw 7.14 million passengers in the first quarter of 2022.
During the last two years, HIA has been named the World’s Best Airport at the Skytrax World Airport Awards. It is also the first Middle Eastern airport awarded Skytrax’s World Best Airport.
Since 2014, HIA has been home to Qatar Airways, a 5-star Airline that has been voted six times as the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax. Qatar Airways connects more than 140 destinations worldwide, and a large number of its passengers are transit passengers.
Doha Airport Transit Visa
One of the most common questions is whether you need a transit visa for connecting flights through Doha Airport. The answer is no, you do not need a transit visa if you are not planning on leaving the airport.
Here is a tweet from Qatar Airways on 18 July 2022 to confirm this:
Earlier Qatar Airways travellers could apply for a free 96-hour transit visa that would allow them to visit the city. However, this service is currently suspended; instead, eligible travellers from 90+ countries can use Qatar’s visa-on-arrival facility.
Doha Airport Transfer Procedure
Doha Airport makes it easy and convenient to transfer to your connecting flight. There is only a single passenger terminal at HIA, which means you can arrive, transfer and depart in the same terminal. You do not have to worry about changing the terminal building,
The terminal building has three levels and five concourses: A, B, C, D, and E. Each of these has several passenger gates connected to jet bridges. The below map will give you a rough idea of the airport layout.
Below are the steps on how to transit at Doha Airport:
Step 1: Exit the aircraft
For most flights, you can access the terminal through jet bridges. During peak hours, you may be required to use a bus, which will be guided by staff.
On arrival, Al Maha customers, special assistance travellers, and unaccompanied minors are met by airport staff.
Step 2: Proceed to Transfer Halls
Upon exiting your aircraft, follow the “Transfer” signs. These signs will lead you to the Transfer Halls on the concourses.
Directional signs are available in English and Arabic; some even have estimated walking times.
Please follow the ‘Transfers’ sign for transit, not the ‘Arrivals’ sign. If you wish to exit the airport, please approach the transfer desk for assistance.
Step 3: Collect the Boarding Pass if required
Most airlines will issue you both boarding passes at the first check-in point (country of origin). If you already have the boarding pass for the next flight, you can proceed to the Departures Hall.
However, for some flights, you may be required to collect a new boarding pass from Doha. In that case, go to the transfer desk, and the staff will assist you.
The staff at the desks can answer any questions you may have. They can also help you reschedule or rebook flights, upgrade seats, obtain boarding passes, and exit the airport if you plan a stopover.
Step 4: Go through security screening
Before entering the Departures Hall, you must pass through a security screening. Your hand baggage will be screened for potentially dangerous items. Also, you will be required to pass through metal detectors.
Make sure your baggage does not contain any prohibited items.
Step 5: Check the gate number for your next flight
Several electronic screens with Flight Information can be seen in the Transfer and Departures Halls. Check the screens for your next flight number and the corresponding gate number.
You may not see your gate number if your flight is after a few hours. In that case, you can relax, dine or shop at the terminal. We will discuss those options later.
Step 6: Proceed to your gate
Once your gate information is available, proceed to the gate. You can use the shuttle train service inside the airport for some concourses. If you need help navigating around the airport, ask at the information desk or use the airport maps available throughout the airport.
Moving walkways are also available on most routes. Along the way, there are plenty of toilets to freshen up. Below is a video by HIA on how to transfer through Doha Airport.
Time Required For Transit At Doha Airport
Most passengers often wonder how much transit time you need for connecting flights at Doha Airport. There are several factors to consider here:
a) Boarding Pass: If the boarding pass for the second flight is issued from the first airport (point of origin), you can proceed to security check and move to your gate. If not, you will have to queue up at the transfer desk and wait for your turn to collect your boarding pass.
b) Distance Between Gates: Doha Airport is an integrated facility inside a single terminal building, but it is not a small airport. The walking distance between some gates can be up to 15 minutes.
c) Flight Arrival: You also need to consider the possibility of your first flight landing late. If you have a very short connection time, say 1 hour, even 15 15-minute delays in your flight can create havoc on your plans.
d) Disembarkation Time: Even if your flight arrives on time, you may not be able to leave the aircraft at the next moment. Usually, you have to wait 10-20 minutes to leave the aircraft through the jet bridge. It may be longer if you need to take a bus from the aircraft.
e) Gate Closing Time: Remember that gates close 20 minutes before departure time.
f) Seasonal Rush: During peak seasons like holidays, FIFA World Cup, etc., you can expect some delays in security screening.
Considering all these scenarios, a safe margin would be three hours. Shorter durations, like 1.5 to 2 hours, may be doable but can be a risky call. We wouldn’t advise anything below 1.5 hours.
Below are the estimated walking times from Transfers Hall to the gates in each Concourse.
| From Transfers A | From Transfers B | From Transfers D | From Transfers E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To Concourse A | 1-5 min | 2-6 min | 10-14 min | 10-14 min |
| To Concourse B | 4-6 min | 3-5 min | 11-14 min | 11-14 min |
| To Concourse C | 2-8 min | 2-8 min | 1-6 min | 1-6 min |
| To Concourse D | 10-11 min | 10-11 min | 1-3 min | 1-3 min |
| To Concourse E | 9-11 min | 9-11 min | 2-3 min | 1-2 min |
In the unfortunate situation of having missed your connecting flight, please contact the transfer desk. The staff will assist you with re-booking a later flight.
Doha Airport Transfer Desk
You can visit one of the transfer desks if you need assistance with your onward flight, including boarding passes, rescheduling flights, or general inquiries.
The transfer desks can also assist you if you are on an extended stopover and wish to visit Qatar before boarding your onward flight. It is important to check visa and immigration requirements before beginning your journey to avoid disappointment and delays.
Relaxation Facilities At Doha Airport
Hamad International Airport has some of the world’s best facilities for relaxing and refreshing during your transit journey.
There are several world-class travellers’ lounges at the terminal. They offer complimentary food, shower facilities, business rooms, and luggage lockers. Depending on your ticket or privilege club membership, you may be entitled to complimentary lounge access, or you can pay to access the lounge.
There are also quiet rooms offering recliners and soft lighting where you can relax.
Doha Airport Restaurants
The airport features a wide variety of restaurants and coffee shops to suit international travellers. There is a common food court area near departure (near the Giant Teddy), and coffee shops and restaurants spread all over the duty-free area. Below are some of the dining options available at Doha Airport.
- Azka Restaurant
- Burger King
- Brioche Doree
- Camden Food Co
- Coffeeshop Company
- Costa Coffee
- Del Monte F&B
- Emporio Armani Caffe
- Evergreen Organics
- Great Eastern Market
- Harrods Tea Room
- Harvest Market Restaurant
- Illy
- Jamocha Cafe
- L’ETO
- Le Grand Comptoir
- Negroni
- Red Restaurant
- Red Mango Yogurt & Smoothies
- Spizzico
- Starbucks
- The Burger Federation
- Yumcha
Shopping At Doha Airport
The award-winning Qatar Duty-Free (QDF) shopping emporium is one of the largest in the world. It is home to around 100 retail outlets and restaurants across 40,000 square meters of combined retail, food, and beverage space. Among its many products are designer labels, electronics, gourmet foods, and much more.
The prominent luxury brands at QDF include Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Bulgari, Hermès, Hugo Boss, Moncler, Rolex, and Harrods. If you are in a hurry, express stores are also available.
Sleeping Options at Doha Airport
Sleep ‘n fly Sleep Lounge is located within the main duty-free area within HIA’s transit terminal and offers a selection of sleep pods and cabins that can accommodate up to 50 adults and four children. The sleep units provide a soundproof, air-conditioned space where you can relax before or between flights and pay by the hour.
You can choose from the following accommodations at Sleep’n Fly:
- FlexiSuite Sleep Pods (one person)
- YAWN Double Cabin (max. two persons)
- YAWN Double Cabin with kid’s pull-out bed (max. two adults and one child <115 cm)
- YAWN Bunk Cabin (max. two persons)
The average two-hour rates are USD 48 (one person) and USD 77 (two persons).
You can make online reservations at www.sleep-n-fly.com
For assistance, call +974 4467 8993 or email [email protected]
Doha Airport Hotels
Doha’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) has two hotels for transit passengers:
Oryx Airport Hotel
Oryx Airport Hotel is conveniently located inside Hamad International Airport’s passenger terminal, offering guests a wonderful place to relax, unwind and recharge before their next flight. The hotel offers hourly rates, fitness facilities as well as spa services for the convenience of every guest.
Daily rates for Superior Rooms start at QR 1,290 (USD 350). To know more about hourly rates, contact the reservations team by email at [email protected] or call +974-40108100.
You can see the hotel reviews and book on TripAdvisor.
Oryx Garden Hotel
The Oryx Garden Hotel is HIA’s newly inaugurated airport hotel located in North Plaza. A total of 100 rooms are available, ranging from king beds to twin beds and suites. All rooms are conveniently located within the terminal, near boarding gates. Bookings can be made around the clock for a maximum of 24 hours.
A variety of retail and culinary options are conveniently located near the Oryx Garden Hotel, as well as complimentary new-generation wireless internet throughout the premises.
Luggage Storage at Doha Airport
Currently, the Hamad International Airport storage lockers are not in operation due to health and safety concerns. However, Tawfeeq Travel offers luggage storage at their Travel Hub inside the airport Metro station. You can find more details about luggage storage here.
Doha Airport Wifi
HIA provides complimentary wireless internet WiFi access throughout its passenger terminals. You can sign up for complimentary WiFi by searching for “HIAQatar Complimentary WiFi”.
There are also internet kiosks and desks with screens and keyboards that offer free web browsing. Kiosks are located throughout the passenger terminal (near the boarding gates).
Purchasing a prepaid calling card from Qatar Duty-Free lets you make international calls anywhere in the world. There are telephone booths throughout the passenger terminal (including at the boarding gates).
Other Facilities
The passenger terminal has smoking rooms, prayer rooms, and phone/laptop charging stations.
Six foreign exchange stores and multiple ATMs are located throughout the passenger terminal. Travelex offers currency conversion of over 40 currencies. There are play areas and activity nodes for children. Complimentary baby strollers and parents’ rooms are also available.
Doha Airport Transit Tour
If your transit is more than 8 hours, you can join a city tour or adventure tour by Discover Qatar. There are three types of tours available. Below are the details:
| Tour Theme | Tour Duration | Price | Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover Doha – City tour | 3 hours | QR 95 | 08:00, 13:00, 18:00, 21:30 |
| Discover the dunes and inland sea | 4 hours | QR 367 | 07:00, 14:00 |
| Discover the dunes and inland sea (Private – 5 persons) | 4 hours | QR 734 | 06:00, 14:00 |
For more details and booking, check Discover Qatar Transit Tours.
Qatar Airways Stopover Program
You can explore Qatar by booking a stopover holiday with Qatar Airways. Packages start from $14, including luxurious accommodation at 4-star and 5-star hotels. For more information, check the Qatar Airways Stop Over Package.
Doha Airport Transit Requirements During COVID
- A Transit Visa is NOT required for transit passengers who do not plan on leaving the airport terminal.
- Ehteraz pre-travel registration is NOT required anymore. Qatar has completely removed the Ehteraz pre-registration requirement from 1 November.
- A vaccination Certificate and COVID-19 PCR Tests are only required if your destination country requires these. If your country of arrival does not demand these, you do not have to present them for transit.
The above information is already available on the Qatar Airways website. Below is a tweet from QA on 07 August 2022 to confirm:
You can check your destination country’s requirements using this tool on Qatar Airways.
Covid Hygiene at HIA
HIA takes extreme care of hygiene, especially after the pandemic breakout. It is mandatory to wear masks and to maintain social distancing inside the airport. It is only permitted for staff members and passengers with valid flight reservations to enter the airport terminal.
265 hand sanitiser dispensers have been strategically placed throughout the terminal. Each passenger touch point is sanitized regularly, and all baggage trolleys and tubs are regularly disinfected. UV disinfection tunnels were installed to disinfect all luggage arriving at the airport.
Other security measures include mobile disinfection robots, plexiglass shields, thermal cameras, contactless elevators, and contactless payment methods. As a result of its efforts, HIA has become the first airport in Asia and the Middle East to receive a COVID-19 5-Star Airport Safety Rating from Skytrax.
READ NEXT: Qatar Visa on Arrival: Complete Guide
FAQ On Doha Airport Transfer
Is a Covid PCR test required for transit through Doha Airport?
No, a Covid test is not required for transit unless your destination country requires an RT-PCR test.
Is it easy to transfer through Doha Airport?
Transfer through Doha Airport is not difficult, as it is an integrated airport with arrival, transit, and departure facilities inside a single terminal building. Signages are well-marked, and all modern facilities for passengers are available.
Is 1-hour transit enough at Doha Airport?
The transit time of one hour may not be enough at Doha Airport, considering that the distance between some gates can be up to 15 minutes. You should also consider the possibility of flight delays, security screening, and gates closing 20 minutes before departure.
Is alcohol allowed at Doha Airport transit areas?
You can carry alcoholic beverages purchased from the duty-free along with your hand baggage, but drinking in public is not allowed. Alcoholic beverages may be available in some lounges.
Related Articles:
- Luggage Storage At Doha Airport: Location and Rates
- Qatar Customs Prohibited Items To Avoid
- Complete Guide To Visiting Qatar
- Guide On Carrying Medicines To Qatar
- Driving in Qatar: Guide For Visitors And Residents
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Images and video courtesy: Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways
Hello, I’m flying from Manila to London Heathrow via Doha on February 22nd. I will only be in the airport for 7hours. I will not leave the airport and I will have no check-in luggage. Do I need anything else such as proof of COVID vaccination ?
Hi Michael, Proof of vaccination or COVID test is not required for transit through Doha. You need to confirm if your final destination (UK) requires these.
Hi!
I booked a flight from O’hare to Doha on 22 Feb and Doha to Philippines on 26 February. I plan to stay with my friends during my layover. Can I apply for transit visa or should apply for a tourist visa?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
Hi Frances, Online transit visa and tourist visa is currently suspended. If you are a Philippines citizen, you may not be eligible for visa on arrival. If you have a Hayya Card, or you have any friends who can share their Hayya With Me voucher code, you can use that to apply for Hayya and visit Qatar. If not, please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected] to check other options.
Hello,
In the month of March I will travel to the Seychelles Islands.
I have 2 days stay in Doha.
My reservation for all flights is with the same number.
My question is for these two days can I leave my checked luggage at Hamad Airport? Thanks for your reply.
Hi Geno, There is no luggage storage facility inside the airport. There is a private storage facility: https://www.dohaguides.com/luggage-storage-at-doha-airport/ You can also check with your airline as it is a transit flight.
Hallo,
I have a codeshareflight (QR/malaysian airways) and was told that, in Doha I have to collect my baggage an check it in again for the second flight. Do I need to through custums then?
Hi Brigitte, Normally baggage collection is not required for code-sharing flights. So please double check with your airline. If your airline says that you should collect your baggage, you will need to go through customs (as baggage collection is outside customs area). This would also mean you may need a visa. You can get visa on arrival if your nationality is eligible, but will require health insurance. Please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected]
Hi,
Returning from Chennai to Dallas. I have a 19 hour layover in DOHA. I want to exit the airport for a city tour during the transit. Can I check my bags to DFW and exit the airport with cabin baggage?
For US citizen do I need to get a Visa?
Is the COVID vaccination record from US sufficient?
Thanks
RV
Hi RV, If you are US citizen, you will be eligible for visa on arrival. You will need a hotel booking (you can cancel this after arrival) and health insurance purchased through MOPH website (new rule). You can read more here: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/
If you are using the same booking for onward travel, normally you do not have to collect the check-in baggage. However, please confirm this with your airline.
Thanks for the quick reply. I have a friend who resides in Doha and plan to visit them, Will their address meet the requirement?
Hi RV, Sometimes local address may not be helpful. We suggest to make a hotel booking as some officers can be very strict about requirements.
Hello. I am Min.
I plan to make a transfer at Doha Airport in Qatar when I going to the Maldives, and have some time to spare, so I intend to leave the airport, rest at a nearby hotel, and return to the airport for my transfer. Is it necessary for me to undergo COVID-19 testing when I transfer to the other plane?
Thanks.
Hi Min, Covid test is not required as per current rule. If you are leaving the airport, please make sure your are eligible for visa on arrival and you have health insurance purchased from MOPH website (new rule). More details are available here: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/
Hi, am Steve. Please I have a connecting flight with Qater always from Ghana (kia) to Doha and to sao paulo. I have a two years working visa permit at Qater but I have a two weeks stop over at doha before flying to sao paulo. Am to spend one week at Belize for a tour before returning back to Doha to start my work. Is there any requirement needed before boarding the pass to sao paulo for another transit to Belize city.
Thanks waiting for reply
Hi Steve, We assume you have a new employment visa for Qatar. If this is your first visit to Qatar, your entry permit may be valid for one time only. In that case, you will need to complete your Residence Permit procedures during your first entry. We are not sure if this can be completed in one week. Please discuss this with your employer.
Hi I have booked a flight with stopover at Doda for 20h 50m. Do i need to book a hotel for 1 night or its 2 nights minimum?
My arrival at Doha is 07 Apr 2023 , 23.40 PM and depart from Doha on 08 Apr 2023, 20.30 PM, please suggest how many night should i book and allow me to visit Doha city ( I am eligible for visa on arrival)
Thanks
Hi Suthinee, If your transit is for one night, you need a one-night booking only. Anyways, please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to confirm (as policies keep changing).
I shall be traveling to Brisbane via Doha on 1st March 2023 and returning on 11th April 2023.. My passport is valid until 27th August 2023, will this be ok Transiting through Doha? All seems ok with 6 months Validity with Australia providing the passport is still valid at the time of leaving Australia.
Hi Linda, Normally passport validity is not considered for transit. It is only considered while issuing a visit visa. However, please double-check with your airline to avoid any issues.
Hi
I am travelling from London to Singapore with a transit at Doha of 90 minutes. I am travelling with BA and Qatar but have the same Booking reference for both flights. Can I just transfer straight to the departure gate for my next flight or will I need to claim my baggage and go through immigration?
Thanks
Hi Phil C, If you have booked both flights through one website (either BA or QA) it would be a code sharing between both airlines. In this case you can transfer straight without collecting baggage or immigration.
Myself and my wife and daughter will arrive into Hamad International airport on December 28th on a British Airways flight from London. We have booked an onward connection with Qatar Airways to Abu Dhabi 7 hours after we land. We will need to collect our luggage and check in for our Abu Dhabi flight. We will not be leaving the airport. Do we need visas or Hayya cards?
Thanks
Eddie
Hi Eddie, Since you would be collecting the baggage and checking in again on another airline, you would need a visa. Hayya Card is not required now. You may be eligible to get a free visa on arrival. Please check: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-visa-on-arrival-requirements-eligibility/
I will be traveling from US to Dubai, with a transfer in Doha. I am not leaving the airport. Will I be allowed to have a vape pen (tank and batttery) and nicotine juice in my luggage? Thanks.
Hi Becky, It should be fine if it is only a piece and in transit luggage. Please double-check if there are any restrictions in Dubai.
Hello!
For transit flights, are religious materials allowed in checked baggage? If the passenger wishes to exit the airport during the layover period, would he or she be required to collect the checked baggage before passing through customs?
Thank you!
Hi Nicole, If you are travelling by the same airline using the same booking number, your checked-in baggage need not be collected. The airline will take care of your baggage. You can leave the airport if there is enough time in between.
If you are travelling using different airlines or the same airline with different booking numbers, you will need to exit through immigration, collect your baggage and check in again.
Regarding religious material, the bible or other religious books for your personal use are allowed. Don’t bring too many of them if you are passing through Customs (collecting baggage).
Thank you so much!
You are welcome!
Do I need a Hayya card/entry pass to transfer between flights while staying in the airport (no baggage, but different airlines)?
Hi Hannah, You don’t need a Hayya Card for transit flights. It is only required for those leaving the airport.
hi i am yravellimg from manchester uk to perth via Doha if I buy duty free alcohol in manchester in a sealed bag will i allowed to take it through transit in doha onto my connecting flight to Australia
Hi David, Normally this is allowed for transit passengers. However, kindly confirm with Qatar Airways to make sure.
Hi,
I am travelling from Ireland to India on the 22nd of Nov 2022, via Doha international airport.
My baggage is not being checked through, so I will need to collect baggage and check it in.
Will I need a transit visa for this?
Hi Sayani, (1) Are you using the same airline for both trips? If it is the same airline and the same booking, your airline will take care of the baggage.
(2) Or is it two different airlines or different bookings? In this case, you will need to leave the arrivals area to collect the baggage and check-in again through the departures area. This may require you to pass through immigration. Due to the FIFA World Cup, this may not be possible now as there is no transit visa or visa on arrival. You will need to contact your airline and sort this out in advance.
(3) Also note that Doha International Airport and Hamad International Airport are different airports.
I have spinal stenoses and need a back massage /physiotherapy after long sitting/lying down time-
Is there such facility?
a bruwer
Hi Dr A Bruwer, There is a Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre that offers massage. It is inside HIA’s Oryx Airport Hotel, but accessible to walk-in passengers. Please search online and check directly.
When I booked my flights Johannesburg-Doha-Auckland the transit time was 4 hours. However, Qatar Airways has twice changed the flight details, so that now there is only 1 hour transit. Will there be staff to assist me through transit, as is usual at many airports? If I miss my connection, the next flight will be much longer and uncomfortable.
Thank you.
Hi Teuns, Yes, there will be QA staff to assist transit passengers when you exit the plane.
Are there still luggage storage lockers available in the airport? I am seeing mixed reviews on this as blogs say yes but the airport website says no.
Hi Sara, We have mentioned that there are luggage lockers inside the traveller lounges. To use them, either you need complimentary lounge access or need to pay for the lounge access. Also, note that you cannot leave the luggage there if you are leaving the airport. You can use these if you want to take a shower or move around for a short while.
dear admin,
nowhere is an information about transiting dutyfree alcohol from one country through Doha to another country. transit-stop in Doha, can I bring my duty-free alcohol bought outside qatar, stay in the Doha transit area and board my new plane from Doha?
thank you
(my case franc qatar airways, continuing to India, on qatar airways)
Hi Fres Fros, The restriction applies to imports only. Normally you can carry the alcohol purchased from another airport with you. Make sure to keep it in the original packing and with the purchase receipts.
Hi Admin,
After reading this info on Transit, the query I had is answered to some extent. It would be helpful and clear to me if you can also answer my below query:
—
My Friend will be traveling from Source Country: Germany
Stopover/Layover/Via/Transit: Qatar (to meet me to stay for some hours in Qatar and then take an onward Flight to his Destination)
My Friend’s Destination Country: India
My Friend’s Nationality: Indian
My Friend is Fully Vaccinated in Germany
Expected Travel Scheduled in the Last week of “Nov. 2022”
My Friend does not have FIFA Match Ticket or Hayya Card.
—
My Friend will be traveling from Germany and wants to make a Stopover(Transit) through Qatar. He wants to leave/exit Doha Airport for Some Hours to meet me here in Doha (I am a Resident of Qatar). and then take his onward Flight to India on the same Day. Is this currently allowed/permitted under any sort of visa or visa waiver or e-visa or anything? for such Transit or City Tour visits also Suspended? Does he need to have a Hayya Card to leave the Airport in such a case? Please Answer. I already contacted Hukoomi over email and Call. Email Vs. Call. Information is not matching and Replies are different. Please Help.
Hi Mohammed, Can you tell us what responses you received by email and call?
Mon, Oct 24, 2022 at 3:54 PM
Dear Valued Customer,
Thank you for contacting us on Hukoomi
Please be informed that Transiting inside Hamad International Airport, a Transit Visa is NOT required. At the moment, The Qatari Government is not issuing Transit Visas, hence the request for processing transit visas to Qatar remains suspended until further notice. Please also note that starting from November 1 only Hayya card holders with approved entry permit will be allowed to enter the country and no other visa will be entertained. Normal visa might resume by December 23, 2022.
We are always happy to serve you. Thank you for contacting us.
Best regard
I called to Hukoomi Contact Center thrice, when I ask my query to the concerned department, they do search “transit” and from their rules & guidelines or documentation they read out the same information which is already publicly available on the Qatar Airways Travel requirements website and visitqatar.com i.e., passport validity, no pre-registration for transit required, min and max hours should be so and so, about covid-19 guidelines… After reading out the list finally they say: “Approval and Rejection are within the Authority of Immigration Officer without giving a reason”.
I called them for the last part and they say it as mentioned above, which is vague.
Hi Qadeer, What they have written in the email is the correct information. The Transit Visa service is now suspended. Visa on arrival will not be allowed from 1 November 2022. So the only option to visit now is to have Hayya Card (which requires a match ticket). Qatar Airways used to have a Stop Over program. Your friend can check with them if this option is available. Or else check back later to see if there is any new update on getting Hayya Card without a match ticket.